Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
7 available 7 • View allCan the employer ask me to pay my visa costs if I resign during the probation period?



9
Q: I am on a limited contract and rendering my 30-day notice. I am in my 4th month and still under the probationary period.
My internal contract says that if I resign in less than a year, I have to pay the visa costs. But on the other hand, the contract that was submitted to labor doesn't have a clause about the visa costs.
Is it valid for them to let me pay the visa costs?
Will I get banned if I don't pay?
Nov 27, 2023
7479
Do I have to pay any charges to my employer if I resign during probation?
0
Q: Hi
I am an expatriate and I handed in my 30-day notice during my probation period with my current employer.
They have requested that my new employer pays the compensation for recruitment and visa costs due to the fact I am still in my probation period.
However, there are no stipulations in my contract about reimbursement of any costs undertaken by my new employer if I resigned during my probation.
I realize that under Article 9 Section 3 of the Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations states that:
"... the new Employer shall undertake to compensate the current Employer for the costs of recruiting the Worker unless otherwise agreed."
However, I am wondering if this applies in my case if it has not been specified in my contract or any other documentation that I have signed.
Extra context, it is stated in the free zone employment handbook - but again this was not disclosed in any contract that both my current employer and I have signed.
Thank you.
Mar 30, 2023
515
After 7 months on a limited contract, I resigned. Do I need to pay visa costs?


4
Q: Hi sir,
I worked in a company for 7 months on a limited contract. I've submitted my resignation and need to pay the visa costs.
Today, I received the HR's resignation approval letter. They mentioned a 6-month position ban, but didn't specify the visa cost.
My MOHRE contract also doesn't mention any amount.
Apr 4, 2024
258
Can my employer force me to pay visa fees if I resign and threaten me with jail?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
My employer told me I’ll have to pay him visa fees if I resign. I work for a company based in Ajman, and my boss (an Arab) has high-ranking contacts in the Ajman police.
He said if I don’t pay, the Ajman police will confiscate my passport, take me to court, and put me in jail. What should I do?
+1
Sep 5, 2024
118
Am I legally bound to repay visa fees as per my offer letter if I resign?




1
Q: Good day,
My offer letter stipulates that I must repay the visa processing fee incurred by the employer if I resign before completing 18 months on the job. The probation period for the role is 6 months.
I would like to know if I am liable to pay the visa processing fees if I resign after my probation period and whether it is legal for an employee to be asked to repay the visa processing fee.
Thank you for your help!
Jan 17, 2025
146
If an employee resigns after 4 months, is the visa cost deduction full or pro-rated?

1
Q: Hi All,
I just want to ask if an employee resigns after four months in the company, will the deduction of visa costs be the full amount, or will it be pro-rata from the date of joining until their last day?
Feb 20, 2025
119
I am resigning from my work. Am I responsible for visa costs? Am I eligible for EOSB if I served 1 year and 2 months?




0
Q: I would like to seek legal clarification regarding a clause in my employment contract.
The contract states: “In the event the employee terminates the contract prematurely, applicable visa charges will be incurred by the employer.”
I have completed 1 year and 2 months of my 2-year contract, but I am considering resigning. My employer has informed me that I may have to reimburse the visa costs due to this clause.
Could you please confirm:
1. Is it legal under UAE labor law for the employer to require me to pay for visa costs upon resignation?
2. Am I entitled to any end-of-service benefits (gratuity) after completing 1 year and 2 months?
3. Are there any penalties or labor bans that may apply if I resign before completing 2 years?
I would appreciate your guidance on this matter.
Please let me know if a consultation is needed.
Apr 2, 2025
68
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allAn Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024 233
The UAE has adopted a major reform in its legislative system that brought about 40 new laws and amendments to the company law, criminal law, personal status, among others. The amendments aim to develop the legislative structure in various sectors, the labor law being one of these, was the most recent. We try in this article to shed light on the changes introduced with the new labor law and their significance on both, the employer and employee.
Sep 10, 2024
92046
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations 34
The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as "New UAE Labor Law", govern labour relations in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates. The New Labor Law repeals the previous UAE Labor Law (Federal Law No. (8) of 1980).
Sep 20, 2021
26821
Federal Law No. (8) of 1980 Concerning the Regulation of Labor Relations 53
The provisions of this Law, known as "UAE Labour Law", govern the relationship between employers and employees and other labour matters in the United Arab Emirates. There are special labour related regulations applicable in some of the free zones in the UAE.
Apr 20, 1980
103722
Ministerial Decree No. (765) of 2015 On Rules and Conditions for the Termination of Employment Relations 8
This Decree sets the rules and conditions for the termination of fixed-term (limited) or unlimited (not term-bound) employment contract between employer and worker in the United Arab Emirates.
Sep 27, 2015
12447

Premium
Other answers by
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
24
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
8
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
5
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
18
What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
38

Premium
Other answers by
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
24
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
8
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
5
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
18
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
19

Premium
Other answers by
What can I do if my ex-wife, who has custody of our daughter, is living with her boyfriend? 0
Hello,
My ex-wife has custody of our 3-year-old daughter. She is a converted Muslim, but she has a Christian boyfriend, and I think they are living together.
What actions can I take about it?
Apr 21, 2025
67
My tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
40
What to do if the bank filed case on me using security cheques and executed travel ban? 0
The bank filed a case against me using security cheques and executed a travel ban from Dubai Courts.
Apr 15, 2025
68
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
43
How can I enter the UAE again if I left on an outpass due to the employer fleeing the country? 0
Dear lawyer
I seek help on whether I can return to the UAE or not. I exited the UAE on an outpass due to overstaying. I have been patient for more than 7 months.
I was advised that I am able to return to the UAE. The process was successful, and I traveled to the UAE, but I was denied entry to the UAE at immigration. Why?
I was only overstaying, I hadn't been a criminal, just my boss refused to do a visa for me.
After overstaying, my employers traveled to their country. I had no idea how to resolve the issue other than to get an outpass and go back home.
Apr 3, 2025
83

Premium
Other answers by
How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
24
What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
They said it will last for 2 months, working 6 days a week. It is driving us crazy, and there is no way to live this way, and I have to work from home.
I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
Apr 25, 2025
34
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
43
A pharmacy gave me the wrong set of medicine that was not prescribed by my doctor. Can I file a complaint? 0
A pharmacy gave me the wrong set of medicine that was not prescribed by my doctor.
Can I file a complaint?
Apr 24, 2025
23
Can I submit a medical report for a surgery I did in my country so that the annual leave won't be affected? 0
I have undergone a surgical treatment in India and got a medical leave report from there for 15 days.
Can I submit the same medical leave report in the UAE so that the annual leave won't be affected?
The HR is responding that the same 15 days of medical leave will be counted from my annual leave.
Kindly assist
Apr 24, 2025
27

Premium
Other answers by
Is the employee responsible for the expenses of changing his visa status from tourist to employment? 0
My friend is currently in the UAE on a visit visa and has received a job offer from a company.
However, the employer is asking him to pay for the visa status change from a visit/tourist visa to an employment visa since he is inside the country.
According to UAE labor law, who is responsible for covering these charges—the employee or the employer?
Mar 19, 2025
62
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
106
In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay, on the RDC app or directly to the landlord? 0
Hi
In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay?
1. On the RDC app or directly to the landlord?
2. I will pay today 1/3 of the outstanding, can I apply for a payment plan and how shall I do this?
Please advise.
Also, what will it cost me to get assistance in this process?
Thank you
Mar 17, 2025
112
How can I check if I have a complaint or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a station? 1
Hello,
How can I know if I have any complaints or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a police station?
Mar 17, 2025
156
Can I amend my claim amount after filing a labor case? 1
Hello,
What is the process for filing a labor case? Is there a fee to file?
If, after filing, the claim amount changes because I haven't been paid additional dues, how is that amended?
Mar 13, 2025
72

Premium
Other answers by
Can an LLC partner sell their shares to a third party without other partners' consent? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Can a partner in an LLC company (Dubai Mainland) sell their shares to a third party without the consent of the other partners?
If one partner wants to exit the company and the other shareholders are neither responding to this request nor giving permission, what is the way forward?
We have sent an email to the other shareholders notifying them of the intention to sell the shares, but there has been no response. Please advise.
Please advise!
Aug 10, 2024
225
What can I do if my company is pressuring me to sign an unfair new contract? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I joined a company in Dubai. According to the contract agreement given to me by the company, if I leave before the fixed contract period, I have to give two months' notice and pay a sum of 6000 dirhams.
I agreed to this and continued to work under that agreement. However, the company has now introduced a new contract agreement, and all employees are under pressure to sign it.
The new conditions state that no employee can take a similar job in the UAE and must agree to pay USD 3500 (AED 12600) upon leaving during the contract period.
What actions can I take regarding the unfairness of this situation?
Aug 8, 2024
119
How do I request my passport back from my employer after many refused requests? 1
Dear Lawyers,
How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?
Jul 31, 2024
592
Can I return to Dubai by paying only the court fine for a 2016 debt case? 1
Dear Sir,
I hope this message finds you well!
I am writing to seek your advice regarding a debt case filed in 2016 in the UAE. The debt amounts to approximately 45,000 AED (20,000 AED cheque amount and 25,000 AED credit card amount).
The associated interest has now possibly exceeded 150,000 AED. I have recently secured a job in Dubai and am eager to return; however, I am currently unable to pay the full debt amount.
I am aware of a court fine of 5,000 AED. I would like to understand if there is any possibility of returning to Dubai by paying only this court fine and lawyer fee.
Could you please advise on any available legal avenues or procedures that may allow me to resolve this matter and return to Dubai under these circumstances?
Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Best Regards,
Jul 29, 2024
150
Can a landlord increase the rent via a WhatsApp message without prior notice? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been a tenant in a residential unit since 2023.
The real estate representative of the landlord sent a WhatsApp message stating that my rent is finalized at 24,200 AED, up from the previous contract amount of 22,000 AED, without any prior notice or email from the landlord.
Kindly guide me!
Jul 29, 2024
153

Other answers by
My landlord increased my rent more than RERA Index and refused my offer and deposit. What to do? 0
Good morning,
My landlord notified me 90 days before my contract’s end of a 15% rent increase, raising it from AED 55,000 to AED 63,250. However, according to the RERA index, the maximum increase should be 5%. I tried to negotiate, but they refused.
On October 15, I made an offer and deposit of AED 57,250 (including the RERA-approved increase). The judge accepted it, but the landlord rejected it, claiming their other 1-bedroom units rent for AED 75,000.
My contract expired on October 31, 2024. Recently, the landlord emailed saying I’m now staying illegally and will be charged AED 100 per day for not signing a new contract.
Last week, I requested a new contract based on the RERA index, but they responded by refusing my offer and deposit, demanding full payment.
My question:
Should I be concerned, or should I let them pursue a case?
Or just wait and see?
Thank you for your assistance.
Nov 14, 2024
158
The landlord insists on increasing the rent more than RERA Index. What can I do? 0
Hi everyone,
I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice.
I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22.
The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area.
I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive.
To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond.
My question is: what should I do next?
Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now.
Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?
Nov 14, 2024
380
Is it mandatory for a self-represented applicant to sign the memorandum of defense in a civil dispute? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Is it mandatory for a memorandum of defense to be signed by an applicant representing themselves without an attorney in a civil dispute in Dubai?
If not, what are the potential consequences of submitting a memorandum of defense without a signature?
Thank you!
Oct 14, 2024
84
Can an innocent person's name be dropped during the investigation before court referral? 1
Hello Experts!
Kindly assist with the below:
In a penal case that is still at the investigation stage, if your statement was taken and they realized you are truly innocent, with your name included only by association, is there a chance that your name can be dropped before being referred to court?
Or does the fact that they took your statement mean you must appear in court?
Oct 15, 2024
141
How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband? 1
Dear Lawyers,
How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband and has no funds to support it?
Oct 14, 2024
188
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer